Top Notch Taekwondo

What a weekend. The kids fought hard at California States and the competition was fierce. Always proud of these kids no matter the results. Taylor got gold and is the CUTA team member and get to go to Portugal and Mexico later this year. Caleb won two matches and made it to semis and lost in the last second of the third round. On to the next. Oregon State this weekend.

TNT’s 2026 competition team. So much talent on this board with a great mix of experience and new members. I know, where are all the girls? Most girls are different now. I can hardly get girls to spar now. They’re choosing activities that are comfortable. Crossing my fingers for next year.

Reflecting on the US Open this year, what a privilege it is to coach at such a high level event and to coach my incredible athletes. This year my athletes gave me their all and that’s all I can ask of them. Proud of each of them.

Scotty lost an opening round match against Japan but it was very close and a winnable match.

Drake had to withdraw in his opening round match due to injury.

Caleb won two matches and made it to the quarterfinals and fought three rounds against the Canada Open champion losing by a single point.

Desmond lost a very hard fought and close opening round match.

Taylor won two matches and lost on the semis against a very good fighter from Brazil taking home a bronze medal.

Now it’s time to charge forward and get back to work for the next event. CUTA is next in a few weeks in Fresno.

Look at all the awesome adults who showed up last night. Have you heard I love my adult classes? We had six new adults join in February from our free adult January. Hip hip hooray!!!

Happy birthday Adley. Thanks for choosing TNT for your special day.

The goal is always to win any competition but sometimes when that doesn’t happen what happens next is most important. These two showed up among the nations best and gave it their all. No national team members this time but we learned how close we are and will use this as motivation. Caleb lost a tough opening round match 23-23 and 21-23. You can’t get any closer than that. Taylor was in a cast a month ago and with very little training won her opening round match and lost in the semis the eventual team member. I’m proud of these kids’ hard work and most of all their attitude about getting better for the next event.

Best of luck to Taylor and Caleb as we head to Tulsa for USA team trials. They earned their right to fight for that USA team spot by medaling at nationals last year. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to coach these two young athletes as they fight for that team spot.

Tuesday night adults. I told Lauren that it would probably be tiny because I’m out of town and it’s December and everyone is so busy they say, but I always underestimate the commitment of my adults and how much they love Lauren. Way to show up guys!!! Owen will be running kickboxing tonight. Get those hands ready.

Big congratulations to the November testing group!!!!

Our Taylor went 2 wins and 1 loss in the afternoon session to earn her way to the finals in the evening. She gave the current AAU and USAT member a run for her money towards the end. She’s the AAU B team member for 2025. I couldn’t be more proud of her and how hard she’s worked this year. What an incredible experience for her Big thanks to her parents for their support of her It’s her first year in this 15-17 year old division and she will be back for that A team member and gold I know it.

TNT’s juniors were all fantastic today. All three are in their first year in the 15-17 age group. Desmond won his first match and lost a tough second match. Caleb won three matches to make it to the semis and lost a tough match to the gold medalist taking home a bronze in a division that had 32 kids in it. Taylor made it to the semis and lost a close match to the gold medal winner. All three gave it their all and I couldn’t be happier as their coach with their efforts. Taylor and Caleb qualified for USAT team trials by medaling at nationals in January in Oklahoma. These three juniors’ future is so bright and I can’t wait to guide them to the top.